Academy 'condemns' actor Will Smith's attack during Oscars ceremony, launches probe

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Chris Rock and Will Smith are seen onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. - AFP

WASHINGTON - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences condemns actor Will Smith’s attack on comedian Chris Rock during the 94th "Oscars" Academy Awards ceremony, the organisation said on Monday in a statement quoted by US media, said Sputnik.

"The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law," the statement said.

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Smith walked on stage and struck Rock’s face after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, shaved head. Jada has alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that can cause baldness.

"Jada I love you, 'G.I. Jane 2,' can't wait to see it," Rock said moments before the incident.

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Smith shortly afterwards won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the movie "King Richard," upon receiving of which he delivered a short speech addressing the incident and arguing he was standing up for his family.

In a statement on Instagram on Monday, Smith said his behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was "unacceptable," and "inexcusable", then addressed Rock with an apology.

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"I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness," Smith said. - BERNAMA